Category: Mexico

The first impression upon arrival at the La Amada Hotel in Cancun, Mexico is that the choice of base camp for a vacation was definitely the right choice. The beautiful all white luxury resort is as beautiful as it is luxurious. La Amada Hotel in Cancun features Zen inspired décor with just enough minimalism and elegance making it a traveler’s delight.

Located just 15 to 20 minutes from the Cancun International Airport, La Amada Hotel offers guests the ultimate in a vacation experience with luxury accommodations and a choice of an all-inclusive experience. The property is in a semi-secluded area and sits along a stretch of beautiful beach which is equally private.

Guests to the La Amada Hotel have access to a variety of activities including golf, underwater explorations, spa services, a full service gym, several restaurants, bars, shopping excursions and more. The guests’ rooms feature in-room Jacuzzis, elegant décor, private terraces and more. All of the rooms feature a white theme including white marble bathrooms, white gauze curtains and white luxury bedding, The property features 3 swimming pools including a fabulous pool area with a swim-up bar making afternoons lazy and enjoyable. For guests who choose to venture out the resort community of Playa Mujeres is nearby and offers a beautiful strip of beach. The area offers a variety of popular activities including diving, snorkeling, kayaking and deep-sea fishing.

La Amada Hotel is a unique luxury property not only in design and décor but also in guest’s services. One of the most memorable and popular perks is the hotel will set up sofa beds on the sand for guests to enjoy up until early evening. La Amada Hotel is also popular for return guests because of the versatility to serve couples, singles and families alike catering to all needs to make the vacation experience personal.

Guests to the La Amada Hotel in Cancun, Mexico can reach the property by flying directly into the Cancun International Airport and taking car service to the resort. The usual means of car service in Cancun is a suburban which costs approximately $140 per car round trip. Taxi service is also available to and from the resort.

If you are thinking of traveling to Mexico City, there are many reasonably priced options where you can stay during your trip. The Hotel Gillow costs less than $50 per night and provides much more for your money than any similarly priced hotel at home would. The hotel is one of the oldest in the city, opening in 1875, and has much charm and character because of it. Our room even had a marble bathroom!

The hotel is in a great location on the street Isabel la Catolica. Hotel Gillow is right in the center of the Historic Center part of Mexico City. It is a short walk from Mexico City Zocalo, City Cathedral, and Bellas Artes.

The rooms are simply decorated but kept very clean. The common areas of the hotel are elegant with statutes and stone floors. There is a seating area on each floor where you can mingle with other guests if you wish. Our room had a balcony which allowed us to overlook the historic district. Even though the street below was quite busy, we found our room to be quiet at night.

The hotel has everything you would expect from a modern hotel. There is a restaurant, room service, computer area, free wireless internet access, and television. You can exchange money at the front desk which comes in handy if you are there for a long stay and are from out of the country.

The restaurant in the hotel, La Capilla, is a great place to eat if you are looking for traditional Mexican food – and you should be while you are in Mexico City. Our waiter was very efficient and provided us with quick service so we could get out and explore the city faster.

The Allandre metro station is located a few blocks away from the hotel if you are looking to explore beyond the immediate area. Taxi service from the airport is quick and cheap.

Ice and drinkable water were provided one each floor. This was nice because we did not have to go out to purchase bottled water to drink during our stay.

After talking with another couple who was staying at a more modern hotel nearby, we were pleased with our decision to stay at Hotel Gillow because it was a better value. For a lesser price, we enjoyed our stay more than people staying at a newer hotel on the same block.

Has winter weather left you yearning for white sand beaches, lulling surf and the caress of trade winds? Has the economy left your wallet thinner than you’d like? Fear not! You can have a tropical vacation for less than you might think. Here are 5 options for a tropical vacation on a budget.

1) Cruise the Caribbean. The beauty of a cruise is the all-inclusive package. You’ll get lodging, transportation, meals, non-alcoholic beverages and onboard entertainment from $80/night, per person. Save even more by driving to your departure port a day before you sail. Carnival has Caribbean departures from Mobile, Miami, New Orleans, Galveston, Charleston, and New York City, just to name a few. Even better, hotels that cater to cruise passengers often let you park your car for free while you’re onboard.

2)Cruise the Mexican Riviera. Departing out of Los Angeles or San Diego, a Mexican Riviera cruise will take you to Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas and Mazatlan, picturesque ports that aren’t impacted by drug violence in other parts of Mexico. Rates start at $399 per person for 7 nights, with additional discounts possible for children or 3rd/4th guests in the same cabin. Looking to beat the ship’s price for shore excursions? Do an internet search for “Mazatlan Frank” who can help you with Puerto Vallarta, too.

3) Playa del Carmen on Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula truly has it all for sun-seekers. You’ll find miles of pristine beaches, crystal blue water, great food, world-class snorkeling, dolphin encounters, boutique shopping and great rates on accommodations. Check out www.cheapcaribbean.com for 5 nights for $525 per person, air included. If you visit the Mayan ruins at Tulum, take along some single dollar bills or local pocket change. Bathrooms are free, but you’ll need to tip if you want toilet paper.

4) St. Petersburg – Clearwater, Florida. Located just outside of Tampa, the St. Petersburg – Clearwater area offers beaches, crab shacks, nightlife and budget hotels starting at $70/night. The theme-park addicted can visit Busch Gardens in Tampa while nature lovers hunt for shells and sand dollars at Caladesi Island State Park. To avoid Spring Break crowds, skip April and go in May.

5) Camp the Florida Keys. Are you game for sleeping on the beach? If so, pack up your camping gear and head for the Florida Keys. You’ll have access to boating, fishing, beaches and restaurants without the cost of a hotel. Rates average $40/night, hookups included. You’ll need reservations, and you may need to make them a year in advance.